OverBoard 2018: For our second annual OverBoard Auction, close to two dozen Artists and Artisans accepted the challenge to repurpose old boards, salvaged from a New England barn,, We are humbled by their talent, creativity and extreme generosity.

With absolutely no restrictions about what they could do to transform these hunks of lumber into something unique, their works run the gamut from the wonderfully whimsical to the absolutely exquisite. We are blown away by their submissions! See for yourself in this special sneak peek of the OverBoard Auction that will take place day after tomorrow evening at the Taste of Cotuit.!

Last summer at the Taste of Cotuit (our signature fundraiser), we launched our OverBoard Auction for the first time. It was so successful and so much fun, that our Events Committee decided unanimously to do it one more time! So we're putting the word out now for Artists and established Crafters who would like to participate in this event.

OverBoard Description: Each Artist transforms an authentic piece of barn board into something new (work of art,; utilitarian object, etc.) using any medium, technique or embellishment imaginable. The HSSC provides the boards; the Artists donate their creations for our auction table at the Taste of Cotuit on July 28th. All proceeds go toward HSSC's fundraising projects.

Launch Plan: The barn boards are each different, authentic, and limited in quantity. We're already compiling the list of commitments from local Artists and Artisans now! If interested in participating, please reply by email or voicemail.

Calling all Creatives! We need your help with a fun and creative project we're introducing as part of our fundraiser at the Taste of Cotuit on July 29th. (See full details on all of our Events in our upcoming May Newsletter.)

In keeping with the theme of Cotuit's seafaring origins and with the history of Samuel B. Dottridge (builder by trade), we're incorporating a new auction category, nautically named OVERBOARD. Making use of salvaged New England barn boards, we'll be repurposing them with our own special purpose in mind, to help raise funds for our Museums, our Homestead and related programs!

If you're an Artist, Builder, Crafter, or Designer, will you accept the challenge to transform these boards into something useful, decorative, beautiful,... different (nautical or not)?

We supply the boards; you supply the creativity. Use any medium you prefer: paint, stain, glue, nails, or even hardware to embellish them; you know the ropes! Use any technique at your disposal: saw them, plane them, sand them or carve them ...whatever floats your boat! And then donate your masterpiece back to the HSSC for our fundraising auction. With your help, this auction is sure to make a big splash !

We have been working hard on preserving our grounds and facilitlies to give our patrons a wonderful and safe experience when they visit.

Phase II of the Dottridge Preservation Project is underway and we are pleased to announce that we received a Community Preservation grant from the Town of Barnstable to help fund the repairs and restorations we have planned. These include:

New side shingles

Repair of Corner Boards

Restoration of the back entry door

Repair and restoration of the bulkhead door

Restoration of the Keeping Room fireplace

Restoration of the property fence

Window reglazing to secure window panes

Continued landscaping improvements

Irrigation additions to existing system

The CPA grant will help fund many of these items, but not all. We continually raise funds through out the year for the preservation of our Homestead. This year's Annual Appea;l will be sent out shortly. Please consider HSSC and our preservation efforts when you make your end of year gifts.